London wedding photography – An elegant 10-11 Carlton House Terrace wedding with a first look

Helen & Rory’s elegant 10-11 Carlton House Terrace wedding in Central London

If you’re planning a Carlton House Terrace wedding or a central London wedding, you’ll love this for inspiration!

When Helen and Rory first got in touch with me about their Carlton House Terrace wedding, I was so excited. They were planning a stylish city wedding with a first look and cocktail party for the reception. Helen and Rory are the loveliest people and I couldn’t wait to photograph their amazing day.

Getting ready at the couples home

I started at Helen and Rory’s home, where the bride and her bridesmaids and family was getting ready, and it was a really relaxed start to the day because everyone was in a good mood, chatting and getting excited about the day ahead.

Helen wore an elegant Stephanie Allin gown with a sheer skirt layered on top of the dress and Rory wore a stylish tuxedo and they looked really amazing.

The couple chose to do a first look before the ceremony. They had chosen to have a slightly later ceremony and wanted to make the most of the drinks reception with their guests. Having first look photos is a wonderful chance for relaxed couples photos. You can spend time together before everyone arrives and it’s a brilliant way to help stop any pre-ceremony nerves.

Helen made her grand entrance down the amazing staircase at Carlton House Terrace, to be greeted by Rory waiting at the bottom. We did a few photos outside the venue and then wandered around the corner to The Mall. This is an iconic area of London, with Buckingham Palace at the end of the road. It’s a fabulous spot for photos and we even stopped the traffic for some pictures! Great fun and definitely a moment Helen and Rory will remember! On our return, we took a few moments for family photos and then it was time for Helen to hide away while their guests arrived.

The ceremony at Carlton House Terrace

The wedding took place in the Wolfson Room, a gorgeous room overlooking St James’s Park. It was a wonderful ceremony. They had one of their friends sing and another did a beautiful and touching reading, which was just magical. It was an emotional moment and a really special one. After the ceremony, there was a big cheer from everyone, and then the celebrations began. Helen and Rory led the way down the sweeping staircase to the elegant lobby area of number 11 Carlton House Terrace, where their drinks reception took place.

The reception

The lobby had been decorated beautifully by Ali from Bloomologie and Andri from Always Andri. There were simple flowers in single vases on poseur tables and the most amazing floral display above the main fireplace. It was stunning. They had chosen beautiful Autumnal colours and hints of dark blue. On the dining tables, the table names were written in gold on perspex, adding a modern touch.

While the guests enjoyed canapes and cocktails, the couple mingled and I took candids.

When it was time for the guests to make their way to dinner I whisked Helen and Rory outside for a quiet moment and some early evening photos. When they returned all their guests were seated and it was time for dinner and speeches.

The speeches were brilliant. One of their friends was MC, and he did a brilliant job. Helen’s dad kicked things off with a lovely speech. Rory and Helen both said a few words and then it was time for the best man. As hoped the speeches were funny, touching and entertaining all round. Lots of laughter and a few happy tears.

The evening party at Carlton House Terrace

After the speeches, the couple led their guests into the Gallery for coffee and the most amazing dessert table, which had been set up during the dinner service. Their cake had been made by one of the bridesmaids. The couple cut the cake and it was time for the first dance.

Helen and Rory did the best first dance. They had learned a routine and performed it to perfection. The band started and the couple were joined by their guests on the dance floor, ready to party into the night. It was such a fun day.

I had the best time photographing Helen and Rory’s elegant Carlton House Terrace wedding. It was a real joy to spend the day with such a lovely couple and to photograph such an amazing wedding.

Suppliers

Venue – 10-11 Carlton House Terrace

Planner – Always Andri

Flowers – Bloomologie

Cake – Lucy Hovey (bridesmaid)

Stationery – Studio Ofe

Caterer – Searcy’s

Dress – Stephanie Allin

Bridesmaids Dresses – Ghost

Grooms Suit – Richard James

Hair & Makeup – Sana at Tori Harris Makeup

Band – Supertight

Videographer – Each & Every Moment

Hope you have enjoyed this stylish and elegant 10-11 Carlton House Terrace wedding with a first look. It was a wonderful central London wedding with stunning Autumn inspired colours. If you like this then do check out Sinouhe & Kevin’s stunning Hedsor House wedding.

Thanks for popping by

Fiona x